Hotel Industry News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the hotel sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on B&Bs, hotels, guesthouses and other property types.

The hotel sector is undergoing significant transformation, powered by new technologies, evolving guest expectations, and a renewed focus on direct booking and operational efficiency. PhocusWire delivers the latest hotel industry news, covering the strategies and innovations shaping the future of global hospitality.

Hotel chain developments, hospitality trends, and market shifts

Stay updated on how hotel brands are expanding, restructuring, and embracing digital platforms to elevate the guest experience. From contactless check-in and AI-powered pricing to loyalty evolution and branded residential offerings, our coverage tracks the industry’s response to changing demand and competitive pressure.

Why hotels need payment automation for meetings and events
From Our Partners / Technology
Why hotels need payment automation for meetings and events
By PhocusWire | May 16, 2023
Onyx CenterSource chief commercial officer Tony Wagner explains how eliminating manual processes for meeting and event payments not only adds efficiency but can also build trust. Read More
Startups selected for first round of Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Startups selected for first round of Global Startup Pitch
By PhocusWire | May 15, 2023
The judging criteria applied to the startups throughout the competition include viability, customer appeal, technical innovation, sustainability, team and the X factor.  Read More
Expedia Group launches OneKeyCash for partners
News / Online
Expedia Group launches OneKeyCash for partners
By Kathryn Walson | May 12, 2023
The new rewards currency is intended to target the 83% of consumers who travel too infrequently to earn status or meaningful rewards. Read More
Today’s demand won’t define tomorrow’s travelers
News / Online
Today’s demand won’t define tomorrow’s travelers
By Derek Catron | May 11, 2023
A panel at Hotelbeds’ MarketHub Americas conference discussed why strong consumer appetite for travel doesn’t relieve industry leaders from preparing for a more sustainable future.   Read More
Sonder CEO expresses optimism as free cash flow improves in Q1
News / Online
Sonder CEO expresses optimism as free cash flow improves in Q1
By Mitra Sorrells | May 10, 2023
Sonder's revenue in the first quarter of this year came in at $121 million, up 50% compared to Q1 2022.   Read More
Airbnb's Chesky on GPT-4 being right for travel
News / Online
Airbnb's Chesky on GPT-4 being right for travel
By Linda Fox | May 10, 2023
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said he felt the plugin interface was not right for travel but he has high hopes for GPT-4. Read More
Expedia Group adds Mastercard to growing B2B lineup
News / Online
Expedia Group adds Mastercard to growing B2B lineup
By Kathryn Walson | May 9, 2023
Financial institutions that issue Mastercard-brand credit cards can enable their cardholders to redeem credit card loyalty points for travel bookings made through Expedia.  Read More
Axel Hefer leaves Trivago, former director appointed
News / Online
Axel Hefer leaves Trivago, former director appointed
By Linda Fox | May 9, 2023
Johannes Thomas, a former chief revenue officer and managing director, takes over the role of CEO and managing director with immediate effect. Read More
Amadeus sees growth across distribution and IT units
News / Distribution
Amadeus sees growth across distribution and IT units
By Linda Fox | May 9, 2023
The company reported a 43% increase in group revenue to €1.3 billion with adjusted profit up 188% to €273 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Read More
Travel tech expands reach in hospitality schools
News / Technology
Travel tech expands reach in hospitality schools
By Derek Catron | May 9, 2023
A classroom tech revolution, accelerated by COVID and partnerships with travel leaders, means more of today’s hospitality students are exposed to the latest gadgets and cloud-based systems and learn to... Read More
New Expedia tech extends debate on attribute-based selling
News / Technology
New Expedia tech extends debate on attribute-based selling
By Kathryn Walson | May 8, 2023
For now, Expedia Group’s system does not enable customization of room attributes, such as location, floor or view. Read More
Expedia Group embraces AI, banks on loyalty program
News / Online
Expedia Group embraces AI, banks on loyalty program
By Kathryn Walson | May 4, 2023
Expedia Group continues to invest in its strategy of acquiring and retaining “high-value loyalty members and app users” across its three leading brands, CEO Peter Kern said. Read More
Sabre repositions for revenue opportunities, cost savings
News / Distribution
Sabre repositions for revenue opportunities, cost savings
By Linda Fox | May 4, 2023
Job losses are part of the strategy to bring down costs, according to a statement from president and CEO Kurt Ekert, who said the team would be impacted. Read More
Trivago hampered as advertisers focus on profitability despite travel demand
News / Online
Trivago hampered as advertisers focus on profitability despite travel demand
By Linda Fox | May 3, 2023
The hotel metasearch company said progress was made in each of its goals of increasing value in the product for advertisers and users, boosting the coverage of its directly bookable rates and investing... Read More
The seven deadly sins of hotel distribution
Opinion / Distribution
The seven deadly sins of hotel distribution
By Marta Romero - Mirai | May 2, 2023
While there’s no universal formula to achieve the perfect channel mix in hotel distribution, it’s also important to avoid temptation offered by the seven deadly sins of distribution.   Read More
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